mobihealthnews

“This is the best performing barcode scanner for developers who are creating applications incorporating barcode scanning for the Apple iOS,” stated Samantha Chu, data collection product manager at Socket Mobile, in a press release. “There are numerous applications that stand to benefit from barcode scanning in a range of vertical markets, and we believe the CHS 7Xi provides the Apple developer community with a level of control and data integrity that didn’t exist previously.”

I’ve mentioned the CHS Series 7 scanners before. They really are neat little devices; small, quick and accurate.

Another scanner worth mentioning in this category is the Koamtac KDC200. I’ve used the KDC200 and it’s a pretty slick scanner as well.

The first item was a tweet from @hospitalrx mentioning an application at USA.gov for the iPhone and Android OS that can be used to identify product recalls. The application is appropriately called Recalls.gov.

Now, those recalls are right at your fingertips, thanks to the new RECALLS.GOV mobile application. Whether you’re at your child’s day care center or a yard sale, whether you’re at a store or at home, you can now type a product’s name into your phone and learn immediately whether that product has been recalled because of a safety concern. You can also see photos of recalled products and learn what to do with recalled products in your homes.

Even though the website is lacking detail, the application does offer the ability to scan the bar-code on a given item to determine its recall status, although I have not tested this functionality. Additional mobile applications from USA.gov can be found here.

And from Barcode.com: “Motorola has released a tiny new barcode scanner called the CS3000. The CS3000, shown below, is just about 3.5 inches long, 2 inches wide and less than an inch thick. It weighs only 2.45oz according the Motorola spec sheet. It is capable of scanning 1D barcodes and has a 24 hour battery life. The CS3000 has a USB connector and also Bluetooth. It’s 512MB of flash memory can hold roughly a million bar codes.“

These things are neat. You can download the spec sheet for the Motorola CS3000 scanner here (PDF).

From Max’s comment: “One answer to the medication NDC # barcode scanning problem is to use the software called NDC Translator(TM) with your barcode scanners. Information at http://www.rxscan.com/rx.shtml

It intercepts the raw data coming from the barcode scanner, evaluates it’s content and if it contains the 10 digit NDC # (required to be there by law in a medication barcode) it converts the raw data into the 11 digit NDC # format and then sends the 11 digit NDC over to the application you are scanning into, in this case Jerry’s barcode labeling software.”

I’ve read about NDC Translator before and dismissed it because I couldn’t find enough information on the company’s website. However, secondary to last week’s mishap I’ve decided to re-evaluate my position and give NDC Translator another look. The concept is simple and straight forward, but what the software does behind the scene is not. The upside is tremendous as it has the potential to prevent mix-ups like those described in my previous blog post.

And to top it off the RxScan Kit with NDC Translator Software is very inexpensive. The website lists a single-scanner annual license fee of $399, which includes updates and technical support. Nothing in healthcare is that affordable, seriously.

I would really like to see the software in action. A video demonstration would be nice, but I tried searching YouTube and came up empty.

According to the RxScan website:

RxScan Kit with NDC Translator ™ is a combination of an RxScan barcode scanner and the NDC Translator software.

The NDC TranslatorTM is a software application that sits between your scanner and your pharmacy/BPOC/BCMA system and monitors information coming in from your scanner. When you scan a barcode, it performs its magic. This allows you to scan:

1. NDC number bar codes. Using the patented Instant NDCTMtechnology it automatically inserts the 11-digit NDC number into your application.
2. Rx and transaction number bar codes on labels

The NDC TranslatorTM software eliminates data entry errors and can be supplied as

• a stand-alone product, configured to work with your existing scanners
• as a kit, packaged with an RxScan scanner

The LXE 8650 Bluetooth Ring Scanner is a pretty neat, albeit homely, piece of hardware. The device is designed with wearability in mind to provide the end-user with hands-free operation.

The LXE 8650 consists of a ring scanner and a Bluetooth module. The Bluetooth module is attached to the wrist via a velcro strap and the ring scanner fits on the finger and is operated by a thumb trigger. The system is lightweight coming in at only 4.8 ounces (136 grams), and that includes the ring scanner, Bluetooth module, battery and wrist strap. The scanner is designed with a magnesium alloy housing so it can take a beating, something that is a necessity in the pharmacy. In addition to the magnesium housing the system is sealed to IP54 standards¹ and can withstand multiple drops from up to 4 feet to concrete. Battery life appears to be pretty good and can deliver up to 17,000 scans on a single charge. I don’t know about your pharmacy, but that equates to more than 24 hours of continuous use before a charge is necessary.

And because the LXE 8650 utilizes Bluetooth technology it can be used with multiple devices, even the iPod Touch and potentially the iPad. Just take a look at the last video below.

According to the LXE website:

8600 Scanners and Imagers
Wearable Ring Scanners/Imagers

Quick Facts
2D imager ring with 21″ scan distance
SR laser ring with 45″ scan distance
Long cables available to connect to wearable hip-flip or voice case

8600 2D Imager
LXE’s 8600 Series wearable ring scanners include the 2D Imager and SR Laser Scanner. The 2D imager ring has a 21″ scan distance and comes with enhanced white LED flash illumination. The SR laser scanner has a 45″ scan distance. Both rings can quickly switch between the right and left hand. The tops are built with magnesium alloy enclosures, and the trigger is a smooth, low-profile magnesium built to withstand tough warehouse environments.

Complete datasheet is available here (PDF)

1. The International Protection Rating or IP Code is designed to classify an objects degree of protection against certain solid objects, i.e. dust, water, etc. The numbers following ‘IP’ correspond to the devices specific protection. In this case the ’5′ in IP54 represents dust protection (dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment), while the ’4′ represents splashing water (water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect).

According to the Motorola website, the DS9808-R:

The DS9808-R is a ground-breaking data capture device that represents two Motorola firsts. The DS9808-R is not only the first combination 1D/2D bar code scanner and RFID reader, it also represents a new RFID product category — the first combination handheld/hands-free UHF RFID reader. Motorola’s revolutionary imaging engine enables the capture of 1D and 2D bar codes as well as images and signatures, with record swipe speeds on both 1D and 2D bar codes. The hands-free read range for bar codes and RFID tags can be adjusted to meet your needs — for example, the RFID read range can be set to prevent the inadvertent capture of RFID tags in a nearby cash-wrap. The flexible device can capture virtually any 1D or 2D bar code quickly and easily on paper labels as well as on mobile phone displays, providing built-in support for emerging applications — mobile coupons and mobile loyalty cards in retail to mobile boarding passes at the airport. The DS9808-R can also capture and parse the PDF417 bar codes on U.S. driver’s licenses and other AAMVA compliant ID cards, enabling retailers to automatically populate a credit or loyalty care application or other form. The result is the extraordinary flexibility to accommodate virtually any type of inventory management technology at the POS — all with a single cost-effective device.

More detailed information can be found at the Motorola website here (PDF).

The Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) 7X by Socket Mobile, Inc. was recently brought to my attention via a Tweet for its possible use with the iPad. The CHS 7X is extremely lightweight and portable, making its use with the iPad an intriguing combination. The scanner is only 5.3 x 1.2 x 1.5 inches in size and weighs in at a paltry 2.4 oz. Compare that to our current bar-code scanner of choice, the Code Corp 2500 Bluetooth Scanner, which comes in at 4.9 x 1.2 x 1.8 inches and 5 oz. total weight including battery and no handle. The sizes are comparable, but the Code 2500 is more than double the weight. I’m very fond of the Code’s performance and would like to test the CHS 7X side-by-side against the 2500.

Both scanners would offer a nice lightweight solution for use with the iPad which is itself only 1.5 pounds (24 ounces). Our facility thought the idea of a portable scanning solution was a good one and investigated using the Motion C5 tablet PC with a wireless scanner, but nursing felt that the combination was too heavy; the C5 weighs 3.3 pounds or 53 ounces. The C5 is a much more rugged device than the iPad and offers a complete tablet PC experience, but it might as well be a door stop if nursing refuses to use it.

According to an article at marketwire “Socket is currently running a special iPad software developer promotion on the Socket 2D CHS 7X or 7XRx. Now through June 30, 2010 interested developers can purchase either barcode scanner at 20% off MSRP through the Socket Online Store. To take advantage of this offer, enter coupon code “ipad20″ for the CHS 7X or “ipad20rx” for the antimicrobial CHS 7XRx upon checkout. This offer is only valid in the United States.” Someone needs to take advantage of that offer and work on something health care related.

From the Socket website:

Socket Bluetooth CHS 7X takes 2D bar code scanning to another level delivering superior high-density scanning performance and long-range Bluetooth all in a pocket-sized, ergonomic, and extra durable enclosure.
Socket Bluetooth CHS 7X takes 2D bar code scanning to another level delivering superior high-density scanning performance and long-range Bluetooth all in a pocket-sized, ergonomic, and extra durable enclosure.
• Xtreme performance for 2D, 1D, PDF barcodes, including small barcodes
• Ruggedized dust, shock and water resistant case withstands 5 ft (1.5 m) drops
• Bluetooth v2.1 with 330 ft (100 m) range
• No software installation required, edit data with special barcodes
• Tactile vibrate recognition for high ambient noise environments

Technical specifications for the CHS 7X can be found here.
Technical specifications for the Code Corp 2500 can be found here.
Technical specifications for the Motion C5 can be found here.
Technical specifications for the iPad can be found here.

One suggestion from several hospitals I spoke with that were already live with BCMA, was to use the same barcode scanner on the nursing floors that were used in the pharmacy. That sounds logical, right? Sure, if the barcode scans correctly in the pharmacy, then nursing should be able to scan the same barcode using the same scanner.

The scanner of choice in our pharmacy department is the the Code Reader 3500 from Code Corp. So of course this is the scanner I recommended in my report to the BCMA hardware sub-committee. For whatever reason, the committee decided to go with a different brand of scanner. Unfortunately the scanners we purchased won’t scan some of the more complex barcodes coming out of pharmacy, making them virtually useless. The scanners purchased by the hospital are on their way back to the wholesaler as I patiently await for round two.

Take away lesson: use the same barcode scanner for the nursing units that the pharmacy department uses to meet their barcoding needs.

The Code Reader 3500 uses newer technology over the CR3 and performs much better with our carousel. The reader is easier to use due to its wider target area and “reflection and glare reducing illumination”. It’s also quite a bit faster. The technicians love it.

We had some initial problems with the scanner. It read the barcodes fine, but our AutoPharm system had trouble interpreting the information. Needless to say we were a bit disappointed. However, while at ASHP Midyear I had a chance run in with some folks from Code Corp. The two minute conversation I had with them resulted in Code Corp sending a representative to Kaweah Delta to help me resolve the issue with the scanner.

The representative provided us with a new Code Reader 3500, programmed it, and tested it. Unfortunately we continued to have issues with the scanner at which time Code Corp sent out a second product specialist that eventually hooked me up with one of the company’s product engineers. After tossing around some ideas the engineer figured out the problem, sent me a new programming barcode, and like magic our issue was resolved.

In a time when I experience poor customer service and support from some of our vendors, it’s refreshing to see a company go out of their way to support their products. Kudos to Code Corp.

What brought all this up? Over the weekend one of the technicians dropped the 3500 scanner and broke the trigger on the battery handle. They ended up going back to the old CR3 that I keep as a backup for just such an emergency. Needless to say, they weren’t happy about having to give up the 3500 scanner. If they would have called me I could have told them that the battery handle on the CR3 can be used on the 3500. It took me about 30 seconds to switch the handles and everyone was happy once again. I guess it really is about the simple things in life. Go figure.

As mentioned above, our AutoCarousel system from Talyst utilizes barcode scanners from Code Corp, specifically the CR3 scanner. The scanner has been quite reliable, but requires a little manipulation during use to get a clean read on the barcode. The CR3 uses two lenses, so when it looks at a barcode it’s kind of like someone with bifocals trying to focus on a page in a book. It takes a second, but once you figure it out you’re in business. The only major issue with the scanner is what I would consider a design flaw in the battery handle. The battery handle has a small plastic piece on the back that acts as a guide for the reader as it is snapped onto the handle. Unfortunately this little plastic piece likes to snap off when the scanner gets dropped, rendering it useless. We’ve managed to break three handles is just the last few months alone. I digress.

A couple of months ago Talyst sent me a shinny new Code Reader 3500. The scanner uses a single wide angle lens, which makes the scanning area a little more forgiving, creating a faster scan. The technicians loved it. Unfortunately, we had a bit of trouble with the scanner when it came to combination barcodes like a Micro-PDF stacked atop a GS1 barcode. We ended up sending the scanner back.

While at ASHP Midyear I stumbled on the Code Corp booth in the exhibit hall and mentioned the problem to one of the reps. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but apparently the gentleman I spoke with was CEO of the company. He sent a representative to Kaweah Delta yesterday to resolve the problem. I was impressed.

The rep provided me with a new Code Reader 3500, programmed it, and tested it. Everything went great and he went on his merry way all the way back to Utah. I thought all was good in the world until this afternoon when one of my technicians attacked me in the pharmacy and asked me to please return her old scanner to its rightful place. It turns out that my testing wasn’t nearly thorough enough. The scanner worked like a charm for most general operations, but wouldn’t let the technician scan items back into the carousel. I am stumped.

Back to the drawing board.

For more information on barcode readers, try barcode.com, barcoding.com or idautomation.com.